Hat Storage Container

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a hat storage container for storing and transporting at least one hat. The container has a cover; a base; a hat stop and a handle. The base releasably connects to the cover to define a cavity for receiving the at least one hat; and the hat stop is generally semi-dome shaped and is for locating the at least one hat within the cavity. The cover has a generally semi-dome shaped portion for covering the hat stop and crown portions of the at least one hat, and a bill portion extending therefrom for covering bill portions of the at least one hat. The hat stop houses, or provides a mounting for a deodoriser.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hat storage container, and inparticular a hat storage container for storing and transporting aplurality of hats such as snap back hats, flat back hats, flat caps andwoollen hats.

BACKGROUND

A person typically owns more than one hat and may wish to wear adifferent hat on a different occasion depending on mood of the user andthe appearance of the hat. A person may therefore wish to take more thanone hat out with them, or may pack more than one hat to take on holiday.Hats however can become disfigured or damaged during transportation andstorage.

There is therefore a need for a container to store and safely transporthats without damage.

PRIOR ART

CN 2 800 962 (HAOHUA) discloses a cap package which comprises an outerlayer and an inner layer which are formed by the suction plasticmoulding of transparent material. The contours of the outer layer andthe inner layer are both in accord with the cap and the outer layer is alittle bigger than the cap, and the inner layer is a little smaller thanthe cap. The cap is thereby covered and clamped between the outer layerand the inner layer. The lower parts of the outer layer and the innerlayer are extended with outer porches extending outwards in parallel.The package shows the shape of the cap and keeps the shape fromdeformation, preventing accumulation of dirt caused by touch.

U.S. D469010 (VALDEZ) discloses a hangable hat case.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,013 (JACKSON) discloses a package for a combinationof a hat and garment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,333 (WOLFE) discloses a cap display for displaying acap.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,531 (SCHOONOVER) discloses a form retaining holderor case for a visored cap.

US2007/0199833 (HUNT) discloses a one-piece clam shell baseball hatcontainer that is used for storage, displaying, protecting and shapingbaseball hats or caps.

US2017/0127778 (TUNING) discloses a storage device designed to protectand store caps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a hat storagecontainer for storing and transporting at least one hat comprising: acover; a base that releasably connects to the cover to define a cavityfor receiving the at least one hat; a hat stop for locating the at leastone hat within the cavity; and a handle; wherein at least part of thecover is semi-dome shaped for covering the hat stop and a crown portionof the at least one hat, and a bill portion extending from the semi-domeshaped part of the cover for covering bill or brim portions of the atleast one hat; and the hat stop houses, or provides a mounting for, atleast one deodoriser.

In use, the (typically generally hemispherical) crown portions of the atleast one hat may be folded in on themselves so as to adopt a generallyquarter-spherical or semi-dome nested arrangement. It is appreciatedthat this configuration is preferred for snap back hats (caps).Therefore part of the cover is semi-dome shaped to reflect the crownportion.

The at least one hat may then be arranged within the cavity such thatthe interior of a generally quarter-spherical or semi-dome shape issupported by the hat stop and the exterior is covered by a generallysemi-dome shaped portion of the cover any visors, bills or partial brimsof the at least one hat (such as those of baseball caps) may protrudefrom the crown portion and be covered by the bill portion of the cover.In some embodiments, multiple such folded hats may be stacked on top ofeach other and the hat stop and the container may store and transport aplurality of hats.

It is appreciated that in some embodiments the cover may be dome shapedto cover the crown of a hat without folding and the bill may extendaround the dome shaped cover to cover the brim of a hat.

In this way one or more hat can be contained within the cavity toprotect the hat from damage or becoming soiled when not worn. The hatstop may ensure the hat(s) are securely located and supported within thecavity and the deodoriser may advantageously freshen the hat(s) betweenusage.

In preferred embodiments, the cavity comprises generally semi-domeshaped portion intermediate the generally semi-dome shaped portion ofthe cover and the base and/or the hat stop. This portion is preferablyfor receiving folded crown portions of one or more hats. The cavitypreferably also comprises a bill portion extending from its semi-domeshaped portion intermediate the bill portion of the cover and the base.This portion is preferably for receiving bill, visor or brim portions ofthe at least one hat.

The generally semi-dome shaped portion of the cover may be shaped anddimensioned to cover and/or receive the hat stop and the crown portionsof the at least one hat and the bill portion may be shaped anddimensioned to receive and/or cover the bill portions of the at leastone hat. In some embodiments, the bill portion is elongate.

In some embodiments, the hat stop is comprised by, or is rigidlyattached to, the base. In other embodiments, the hat stop isdisplaceable with respect to the base. This may allow the space betweenthe hat stop and the inside of the semi-dome shaped portion of the coverto be varied, thereby allowing the size and shape of the cavity to beadjusted to accommodate different numbers and/or thicknesses of hats.Preferably the hat stop is generally semi-dome shaped to correspond tothe cover and define a region that reflects the shape of the hat.

In such embodiments where the hat stop is displaceable, the hat stop ispreferably lockable in one or more specific locations and/orarrangements with respect to the base or at any point on one or morecontinuums of locations and/or arrangements with respect to the base.

In some embodiments, the container comprises one or more hat stopconnection means for receiving the hat stop. The hat stop connectionmeans are preferably comprised by the base such that the hat stop can beremovably connected to the base. Alternatively, or additionally, thecover may comprise the hat stop connection means, such as on an interiorface thereof.

Ideally the base comprises a plurality of hat stops connection means forconnecting the hat stop in a plurality of different locations orarrangements. Alternatively, or additionally, the hat stop connectionmeans may permit adjustment or displacement of the hat stop, so that thehat stop can be positioned at multiple locations within the cavity so asto accommodate the at least one hat that is to be stored. In someembodiments the hat stop connection means may permit the interchangeableattachment of differently shaped and/or sized hat stops thereto.

In some embodiments, the hat stop is slideable with respect to the base.For example, the hat stop may be slideable in a direction parallel tothat in which the bill portion of the cover extends from semi-domeshaped portion of the cover when it is connected to the base.Alternatively, or additionally, the hat stop may be removable andreplaceable with differently sized and/or shaped hat stops foraccommodating different numbers, shapes, or thicknesses of hats.

In preferred embodiment the hat stop connection means may be or maycomprise one or more channels along which the hat stop can slide. Thechannels may provide an anchoring location for the hat stop, along whichthe hat stop can slide to the preferred location. The hat stop may beadapted to fit to or engage with the one or more channels by aresistance fitting so that the hat stop remains in place unless asufficient force is applied thereto.

The hat stop connection means may also comprise apertures on the basefor receiving corresponding members on the hat stop to fix the hat stopin place. The apertures may in addition to, or an alternative to, thechannels.

For example, the hat stop connection means may only comprise aperturesand corresponding members, wherein multiple apertures may be provided toprovide various securing positions, so that the apertures can be alignedwith the members at different locations.

Alternatively, the hat stop connection means may comprise channels andapertures/members wherein the hat stop is slid to the desired locationand then fixed in position by engagement of corresponding apertures andmembers.

The hat stop is preferably shaped and dimensioned to sit within thefolded crown portion of a hat and may conform to and support a generallysemi-dome shaped nested folded crown portion of a hat. For example, thehat stop may press the quarter-spherical nested folded crown portion ofone or more hats against the interior of the semi-dome shaped crownportion of the cover.

The hat stop is adapted to house a deodoriser. In this way the at leastone hat within the container in use may be freshened during storage.

Advantageously the hat stop may be detachable from the base, thereforethe hat stop may be easily fitted or exchanged. It is appreciated thatdifferently shaped and/or sized hat stops may be provided forsupporting, locating and/or accommodating different shapes, sizes,thicknesses and/or numbers hats.

In some embodiments the deodoriser may be arranged within the hat stop(or a generally quarter-spherical volume at least partially defined orenclosed by the hat stop) and the hat stop may comprise vents forpermitting egress of deodorising substances.

In other embodiments a face of the hat stop arranged towards the atleast one hats may be adapted to receive or support the deodoriser suchthat no venting is required. For example, a support or pocket may bearranged on the exterior of the generally quarter-spherical curvedsurface of the hat stop on or within which the deodoriser may bearranged.

Preferably the deodoriser (or a portion thereof) is removable from thehat stop so that it can be exchanged when its deodorising propertiesexpire, or to alter fragrance.

The container has at least one a deodoriser that is associated with thehat stop and further deodorisers may be provided within the container,for example on the base, cover and/or within a bill portion of thecavity.

The bill portion of the cover (and optionally the corresponding portionof the base for defining the bill portion of the cavity) may be shapedto correspond to a specific size or shape of bill. For example, the billportion of the cover (and optionally a corresponding portion of thebase) may be curved to support curved cap visors or bills.

The base releasably connects to the cover so as to define the cavity. Insome embodiments, the container may comprise one or more permanent orreleasably connectable hinges between the base and the cover. Forexample, the container may comprise one or more hinges between thesemi-dome shaped portion of the cover and the base.

The container may comprise one or more catches, clips, clasps, ormagnetic connectors for connecting the cover to the base. Alternatively,or additionally, thereby may be a friction fit or snap on closurebetween the cover and the base.

The cover and base are preferably configured for releasable engagementwith each other. The cover preferably provides a tongue or a groove forreleasable engagement with a corresponding groove or tongue provided onthe base.

The container may substantially seal the contents of the cavity from theexternal environment, and as such to protect the contents from wateringress. For example, the container may include a seal between where thecover and the base connect such that the container is waterproof.

In some embodiments the cover is hingeably connectable to the base, andreleasably engageable with the base to define the cavity extendingtherebetween. The base and cover may be moveable relative to each otherbetween a first open position providing user access to the cavity, and asecond closed position in which the base portion and cover portion areengaged to substantially seal the cavity from an external environment.

The cover and base may be hingeably connected by a hinge located at oradjacent an edge of the dome or semi-dome shaped portion of the coverwhich is preferably distal from the bill portion of the cover so as topermit easy opening and access to the hat.

The hinge preferably comprises a first portion located at or adjacentthe semi-dome shaped crown portion of the cover, and a second portionlocated at or adjacent a corresponding portion of the base, and in whichthe second portion is arranged to provide snap fit engagement with thefirst portion of the hinge.

The cover and base are preferably hingeably connected by a living hinge,although it is appreciated that any other suitable hinge may be used.

The thickness of the hinge is preferably between 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm,such as for example between 0.25 mm and 0.4 mm.

The living hinge may be located at or adjacent the extending billportion of the cover. Alternatively, the living hinge may be located ator adjacent the semi-dome shaped crown portion of the cover.

The container is preferably formed from synthetic plastics. It isappreciated that the container may be formed from transparent,translucent or coloured materials, or a combination thereof. Thecontainer may be patterned, decorated and/or branded.

Preferably the container is composed of injection moulded polypropylene,and in particular, may be a polypropylene homopolymer, or copolymer.

It is appreciated that the base and cover may be formed from the samematerial(s) or from different materials.

For example the cover may be formed from an injection mouldedpolypropylene homopolymer and the base may be formed from a polymericmaterial such as an injection moulded polypropylene copolymer.

The container preferably has a stepped profile extending from itssemi-dome shaped crown portion to its extending bill portion.

The container preferably further comprises one or more vent openings.The one or more vent openings are preferably located on the coveralthough it is appreciated that one or more vents may be provided on thebase.

The container preferably further comprises one or more attachmentmembers located within the cavity for securing at least one hat inposition. The or each attachment member may be a clip located on thebase.

The container may further comprise closed cell foam arranged to belocated within the cavity. The closed cell foam may be located adjacentthe cover. For example, the cover, the base, and/or the hat stop maycomprise a layer of foam partially or entirely covering an interiorsurface thereof.

The container has a handle so that the container can be easily carriedand transported. The handle may be integrated with the base and cover,providing a defined opening through which a carrier's hand can bepassed, or the handle be in the form of one or more straps, such as ashoulder strap, or plural straps so that the container can be carried asa backpack.

In some embodiments, the handle is in the form of a pair ofcorresponding apertures, one through the cover and one through the base,which are aligned when the cover is connected to the base so as todefine the cavity. The apertures preferably define a passage though thecontainer. The apertures and the passage are preferably located at oradjacent the end of the bill portion of the cover and/or the cavitydistal from the semi-dome shaped crown portion. The apertures andpassage are preferably spaced apart from the crown portion to providesufficient space in the bill portion of the cover and/or the cavity toaccommodate the bills, peaks, or visors of typical caps.

The container may comprise a strap comprising a first strap portionattached or attachable to the cover, and a second strap portion attachedor attachable to the base, and in which the first and second strapportions are connected together to operate as a hinge between the coverand the base.

The first and second strap portions are preferably each permanentlyengaged, such as for example riveted, to the respective cover or base.

The container preferably comprises at least one strap attachmentmechanism located on the base.

In some preferred embodiments the base is generally or substantiallyrectangular in shape. One, some or all of the corners of the base may berounded. In alternative embodiments the base is substantially round oroval shaped.

Ideally at least one strap attachment mechanism is preferably located ator adjacent edges of the base, for example at each corner of arectangular base.

The or each strap attachment mechanism preferably comprises a bump fitslot to permit easy connection and disconnection of the straps.

The container preferably further comprises at least one strap comprisingat least one engagement feature for releasable engagement with the atleast one strap attachment mechanism.

The container may further comprise one or more locks or lockingmechanisms. The lock or locking mechanisms may be for locking thecontainer or for locking the hat stop to the base or other portion ofthe container.

In a preferred embodiment the lock or locking mechanism may be in theform of a push button locking mechanism for either locking and unlockingthe base and cover or for locking or unlocking the hat stop to the base.The button being pushed so as to unlock the container or to release thehat stop from the base. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may requirea key or combination to unlock.

The container may be used to store and transport any suitable hat, andpreferably one or more, for example 3 to 6 hats.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, byway of example, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an isometric overall view from above of a first hat storagecontainer according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an isometric overall view from below of the first hatstorage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the first hat storage container of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 shows an overall view of a second hat container according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded side view of the second hat container of FIG.4;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the second hat storagecontainer of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows an overall view of a third hat storage container accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the third hat storage container of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows an exploded overall view of the third hat storage containerof FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows an exploded upper end view of the third hat storagecontainer of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 shows an exploded lower end view of the third hat storagecontainer of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 12 shows overall and detailed views of a strap for a hat storagecontainer according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Referring to the figures generally, there are shown three hat storagecontainers 100, 200, 300 according to the present invention. Each hatstorage container 100, 200, 300 comprises a cover 6, a base 2 thatreleasable connects to the cover 6 so as to define a cavity forreceiving at least one hat; a hat stop 20 for locating at least one hatwithin the cavity; and a handle 9, 10, 11.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a first hat storage container 100 whose hat stop 20 iscomprised by its base 2.

Hat storage containers according to the present invention may be shapedand dimensioned to store and transport any suitable hat. The hat storagecontainers 100, 200, 300 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11 are for storingpeaked caps such as snap back hats. The hat storage containers may beshaped and dimensioned to store and transport a plurality of hatssimultaneously.

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a first hat storage container 100 whose hat stop20 is comprised by its base 2. The container 100 comprises a base 2providing an interior support surface 3 for supporting at least one hat.The base 2 is generally flat and rectangular in shape with roundededges. It is however to be understood that the base 2 may have anysuitable shape and/or dimensions to accommodate the type and number ofhats to be stored.

The base 2 comprises an interior support surface 3 with aquarter-spherical arched portion 20 defining a hat stop. The hat stop 20is shaped to match the shape of a hat such as a cap with the rear halfof its crown folded into its front so as to define a nestedquarter-spherical or semi-dome shaped nested arrangement.

The base 2 has a curved lip 4 extending from its edge towards the cover6. The edge 5 of the lip 4 provides a tongue which releasably engageswith the edge of the cover portion 6. It is however to be understoodthat the base 2 may comprise any other suitable feature for releasablyengaging with the cover 6.

The base 2 is preferably composed of an injection moulded polypropylenecopolymer, however it is to be understood that the cover 6 may becomposed of any suitable material.

The cover 6 comprises a generally semi-dome shaped rear portion 7 whichis shaped and dimensioned to fit over the hat stop 20 and to cover thefolded crown portions of one or more hats such that they are heldbetween the interior surfaces of the hat stop 20 and the rear portion 7.The cover 6 further comprises a generally flat front portion 8 extendingfrom the rear portion 7 which is shaped and dimensioned to cover thebill, beak, visor or brim portion of a conventional peaked cap heldwithin the container 100.

A pair of apertures 9, 10, together forming a handle, are formed throughthe front portion 8 of the cover 6 and the flat portion 3 of the base 2.These apertures 9, 10 are aligned when the base 2 and the cover 6 areinterconnected to define a cavity such that they form a passage defininga handle through the container 100.

The cover 6 is preferably transparent, for example 95% transparent sothat the contents of the container 100 are visible to the user from theoutside. The cover 6 is preferably composed of an injection mouldedpolypropylene homopolymer, however it is to be understood that the cover6 may be composed of any suitable material.

The container 100 further comprises a strap 11 for ease oftransportation of the container 100.

The cover 6 of the container 100 is hingeably connectable and releasablyengageable with the base portion 2 to define a cavity extendingtherebetween. Two spaced apart snap-on hinges 12 are provided onopposite sides of the rear edges of the cover 6 and base 2 of thecontainer 100. These hinges 12 extend between the rear generallysemi-dome shaped portion 7 of the cover 6 and the adjacent portion ofthe base 2. In alternative embodiments the cover of the container may beslideably connectable and releasably engageable with the base 2.

The container 1 further comprises three ventilation holes 13 provided inhat stop 20 portion of the base 2 of the container 100. The ventilationholes 13 are located so as to be positioned adjacent the folded crownportion of a hat received within the cavity.

The base 2 comprises two spaced apart bump fit engagement features 14.The bump fit engagement features 14 are located on opposing sides of thehandle defining aperture 10. The bump fit engagement features 14 are keyhole shaped (i.e. having a first opening extending into a narrowerslot). The free ends of strap 11 each comprise an attachment member 15which is shaped and dimensioned to releasably engage the engagementfeatures 14. The attachment members 15 each comprise a circular outermember 16 which is larger in dimension than the openings provided by thebump fit engagement features 14 so as to prevent water ingress into thecontainer 100.

The container 100 further comprises a lock mechanism 17, 18 located atthe end of the container 100 distal from the hinges 12. The lockmechanism 12, 18 being a catch between the flat portion of the base 2and the front portion 8 of the cover 6. The lock mechanism 17, 18comprises a flap 18 which extends from an edge of the cover 6 and whichreleasably engages with a groove or recess 18 provided on the adjacentedge portion of the base 2.

In use, the container 100 is arrangeable in both a first openarrangement providing user access to the cavity, and a second closedarrangement in which the base 2 and cover 6 are engaged to substantiallyseal the cavity from an external environment. The user places one ormore, preferably three of four, hats such as folded caps or snap backhats into the cavity and places the container in the closed arrangement.The user may then secure the lock mechanism 17, 18 in the lockedarrangement so as to prevent unintended opening of the container 100.

The hats may be secured against movement, preventing the creation ofunintended noise disturbances within the cavity, by one or more clipslocated on the base portion 2 for engaging with the bill of the hat orby closed cell foam positioned adjacent the interior of the cover 6 soas to secure the hat in position.

The user may then secure the strap 11 to the base 2 for ease oftransportation of the container 100. The container 100 may for examplebe carried on the shoulder of the user. Alternatively, the strap 11 maybe a strap for attachment to a rucksack or backpack. The strap mayinclude any suitable attachment features. For example the strap mayinclude a carabiner.

The user may when desired release the lock mechanism and open thecontainer 100 by releasing the engagement between the cover 6 and thebase 2 to access the cavity. The user may identify and remove therequired hat and then close the container once again.

FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate a second hat storage container 200 according tothe present invention, whose hat stop 20 is separate from its base 2.Like parts have the same references.

The hat storage container 200 is of overall similar structure andconstruction to the hat storage container 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 butdiffers substantially in that its hat stop 20 is removeable anddisplaceable with respect to its base 2 and is located within its cavityrather than being formed integrally with the base 2.

The cover 6 is attached to the base 2 by a hinge 12. The container isclosed by a lock comprising a flap 17 provided on the cover 6 and acorresponding recess 18 provided on the base 2. The flap 17 and recess18 engage to lock the cover 6 and the base 2 together.

The hat stop 20 is a displaceable part that is mounted on the interiorof the base 2 within the cavity during use. The hat stop 20 connects tothe base 2 using connector means 21.

The hat stop 20 comprises connector means 21A in the form of projectionswhich are received into connector means 21B provided on the base 2. Theprojections 21A have a tab 21E to restrict removal of the connectionsmeans (See FIG. 10). The projection 21A flexes as it enters the channel21B on the base 2 and the tab 21E retains the projection 21A in thechannel 21E. The projection can be flexed so as to align the tab 21Ewith the channel 21B so that it, and thereby the hat stop 20, can beremoved from the channel 21B and thereby the base 2. The connector means21B on the base are channels along which the projections 21A can slidealong so as to alter position of the hat stop on the base 2.

This may advantageously allow the separation between the hat stop 20 andthe interior of the rear generally semi-dome shaped portion of the cover6 to be varied so as to accommodate different thicknesses and/or numbersof hats.

Connector means 21C provided on the hat stop 20 is a pin that fits intoan aperture 21D on the base 2. In this way the pin 21C is inserted tothe aperture 21D in order to lock the hat stop 20 to the base 2.

The base 2 has bump fit engagement features 14 that are key hole shapedfor receiving a corresponding end of a strap to permit easy connectionand disconnection of a strap to the container.

The hat stop 20 supports a deodoriser (not shown). The hat stop 20 has apocket 22 on its exterior surface for receiving the deodoriser, thepocket being arranged towards the crown portions of hats held within thecavity of the container 200.

The cover 6 is branded 6A on its generally semi-dome shaped rear portionwith an example of a logo.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show a third hat storage container 300 according to thepresent invention. Again, like parts have the same references. The thirdembodiment differs from the second embodiment only in respect to shapeof the cover 6. The cover has a more graduated slope between thegenerally semi-dome shaped crown portion and the bill portion allowingfor differently shaped hats to be contained therein, such as flat caps.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show front and rear views of the base 2, cover 6 and hatstop 20 of a hat container.

FIG. 11 shows a push button lock in which the button tab 17 whichextends from an edge of the cover 6 is pushed out of a correspondingopening 18 in an edge of the base 2, so as to release the cover 6 fromthe base 2. The button tab 17 engages with an opening 18 on the base 2so as to hold the cover 6 and the base 2 together in use.

FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of the strap 11. The free ends ofstrap 11 each comprise an attachment member 15 shaped and dimensioned toreleasably engage the engagement features 14. Attachment members 15 eachcomprise a circular outer member 16 which is larger in dimension thanthe openings provided by the bump fit engagement features 14 so as toprevent water ingress into the container 1.

The circular outer member 16 has a slot 16A for receiving the strap.

The circular outer member 16 may be branded with a logo as shown in FIG.12.

The strap 11 has a sleeve 11A to enhance comfort when carrying thecontainer.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will beappreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentionedembodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined bythe claims. For example, it will be understood that any featuresdescribed in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured incombinations with other embodiments.

1. A hat storage container for storing and transporting at least one hatcomprising: a cover; a base that releasably connects to the cover todefine a cavity for receiving the at least one hat; a hat stop forlocating the at least one hat within the cavity; and a handle; whereinat least part of the cover is semi-dome shaped for covering the hat stopand a crown portion of the at least one hat, and a bill portionextending from the semi-dome shaped part of the cover for covering billportions of the at least one hat; and the hat stop houses, or provides amounting for, at least one deodoriser.
 2. A hat storage containeraccording to claim 1 wherein the hat stop is displaceable and the baseis adapted to receive the displaceable hat stop by engagement ofconnection means.
 3. A hat storage device according to claim 2 whereinthe connection means permit adjustment of the position of the hat stopon the base to accommodate different types, or different numbers ofhats.
 4. A hat storage container according to claim 1 wherein the coveris hingeably connectable and releasably engageable with the base todefine a cavity extending therebetween, and in which the base and thecover are moveable relative to each other between a first openarrangement providing a user access to the cavity, and a second closedarrangement in which the base portion and cover portion are engaged tosubstantially seal the cavity from an external environment.
 5. A hatstorage container according to claim 1 wherein the handle is integratedwith the base and cover.
 6. A hat storage container according to claim 1wherein the handle comprises at least one strap and/or at least onestrap attachment mechanism for carrying the container.
 7. A hat storagecontainer according to claim 1 in which the cover includes transparentmaterial.
 8. A hat storage container according to claim 1 in which thecontainer is composed of injection moulded synthetic plastics. 9.(canceled)
 10. A hat storage container according to claim 1 furthercomprising one or more vent openings.
 11. (canceled)
 12. A hat storagecontainer according to claim 1, further comprising one or moreattachment members located within the cavity for securing the at leastone hat in position.
 13. (canceled)
 14. A hat storage containeraccording to claim 1, further comprising closed cell foam arranged to belocated within the cavity.
 15. (canceled)
 16. A hat storage containeraccording to claim 1, in which the cover has a tongue or a groove forreleasable engagement with a corresponding groove or tongue provided onthe base.
 17. A hat storage container according to claim 1 including atleast one magnet to permit releasable engagement between the base andthe cover.
 18. A hat storage container according to claim 1, in whichthe container comprises a strap comprising a first strap portionattached or attachable to the cover, and a second strap portion attachedor attachable to the base, and in which the first and second strapportions are connected together to operate as a hinge between the coverand the base.
 19. (canceled)
 20. A hat storage container according toclaim 1, in which the cover and base are hingeably connected by a hingelocated at or adjacent the semi-dome shaped portion of the cover. 21.(canceled)
 22. A hat storage container according to claim 1, comprisingat least one strap attachment mechanism located on the base.
 23. A hatstorage container according to claim 22, in which the base issubstantially rectangular in shape, and in which at least one strapattachment mechanism is located at or adjacent each corner of the base.24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. A hat storage container according toany preceding claim, further comprising a lock or locking mechanism.